And when we say “nerds,” we most certainly mean it as a compliment. This comes directly from the cemetery staff members who have had in-depth conversations about their dream tombstones, hold firm opinions about their favorite “residents” in the cemetery, and whose idea of a good time on Friday night includes sipping cocktails in the Public Vault at a book party. If all this sounds fun to you, come join us! We’re hosting two special wine and cheese lectures in the next month that should be right up your alley.

On Tuesday, May 20th from 7-9 pm, HCC is pleased to host archaeologist Ruth Trocolli and architectural historian Anne Brockett from the DC Historic Preservation Office. Their lecture, entitled “Cemeteries We Have Loved, Lost, and Rediscovered,” will describe the history and typology of cemeteries in the District as well as the demise of many of the cemeteries that are now gone. They will also explain the process of moving cemeteries when they are closed, and what happens when burials accidentally left behind are rediscovered during later development. This is pretty interesting stuff (especially if you’re a cemetery, history, or archaeology nerd), so please join us on Tuesday to learn more about the cemeteries of DC – above and below ground. For the full description and more information, please see the event listing.

Knickerbocker Theatre. Image: Library of Congress.

On Tuesday, June 3rd from 7-9 pm Kevin Ambrose will give a lecture entitled “The Knickerbocker Mystery at Congressional Cemetery.” Kevin is the author of “The Knickerbocker Snowstorm” and is a freelance writer and photographer for the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang. His lecture explores the mystery surrounding the grave of a 17 year-old boy in Congressional Cemetery, who was killed in the Knickerbocker Theatre disaster. The boy’s grave prompted a long and fascinating research effort to find the boy’s family and uncover the story of what happened to the boy and his family after the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre collapsed under the weight of a record-breaking snowstorm. Want to find out what happened next? You can get more details about the mystery and the lecture here.

Both lectures will take place in our historic 1903 Chapel, with an informal wine and cheese reception following the lecture. Suggested donation of $5 cash at the door to help keep us in wine, so to speak. RSVP for both lectures to lmaloy@congressionalcemetery.org.